Saint Francis University
Zero-Tuition Advantage
Finances should never stand in the way of your future.
Zero Tuition. 100% Opportunity
We believe that every student deserves the chance to follow their calling regardless of income. The Saint Francis University Zero-Tuition Advantage ensures that any remaining tuition balance is covered by SFU for qualified students after federal, state, and institutional aid (grants, scholarships, and loans) are applied.
How does the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage work?
Rooted in our Catholic, Franciscan mission, the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage makes a Franciscan education accessible for qualifying Pennsylvania students. Once you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we can review your eligibility and bring together every dollar of federal, state and SFU aid available to you. Then, the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage steps in to cover the rest of your tuition—so you can focus on your future, not the bill.
Who Qualifies?
- Pennsylvania residents
- First-time freshman or traditional undergraduate transfer students (Fall 2026)
- FAFSA filed by March 1, 2026 (SFU Code: 003366)
- Family income ≤ $65K
- Eligible for Pell + PHEAA grants
- See FAQs for full details.
Your Path to Zero Tuition
Step 1. Apply & get admitted. Submit your application to Saint Francis University and receive your admission decision.
Step 2. File the FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use SFU’s FAFSA code of 003366 to let us review your eligibility.
Step 3. We combine every dollar of aid. Our financial aid professionals package federal, state, and SFU funds to maximize the amount of financial assistance you receive.
Step 4. We cover the remaining tuition gap. After your federal, state, and SFU institutional awards are applied, the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage fills any remaining tuition balance for qualifying students.
Step 5. Review your offer & submit your deposit. You’ll receive a financial aid offer outlining your tuition coverage and next steps. Once you’re ready, secure your spot at Saint Francis by submitting your deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
about the Zero-Tuition Advantage
-
It means your tuition bill will show $0 owed after your federal, state, and SFU aid (comprised of grants, scholarships, and loans) are applied.
Not covered: room, board, and select course fees are still billed, but you may use other scholarships, work-study, or private scholarships for those costs.
See examples of financial aid packages under the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage.
-
To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
- Family Total Income of $65,000 or less via FAFSA
- Eligible for Federal Pell Grant and PA State Grant
- Pennsylvania residency as confirmed by PHEAA via the FAFSA
- First-time freshman or transfer admitted traditional undergraduate student as of March 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester.
- 2026-2027 FAFSA received by SFU as of March 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 semester will receive fullest consideration and after will be based on remaining available university funds.
- Commuter and Resident students are eligible.
-
Important Dates
- 2026-2027 FAFSA received by SFU as of March 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 semester will receive the fullest consideration.
- FAFSA submissions filed after March 1 will be considered based on remaining available university funds.
- Any additional PHEAA-requested information must be completed by May 1 on PHEAA’s Grant US platform.
- Any student selected for verification through the FAFSA, must be complete the process by May 1.
- Transfer students with a prior Pennsylvania State Grant must meet PHEAA’s academic progress requirements and have at least two remaining years of grant eligibility.
-
Yes, the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage is for resident or commuter students that meet the eligibility criteria. You may be a commuter student if you reside with your parents within 50 miles of the campus.
-
Yes. If you continue to meet program eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress your SFU Zero-Tuition coverage renews for up to 8 consecutive fall & spring undergraduate semesters.
-
No. If you apply to SFU and complete your FAFSA on time, you’re automatically considered.
-
Yes. If you continue to meet program eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress your SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage coverage renews for up to 8 undergraduate semesters (this does not include winter or summer).
-
Yes. Certain additional scholarships, private grants, or outside awards may be applied toward room, board, and fees. Such awards but not limited to include band, Esports, cheer, and dance. Total SFU funding cannot exceed tuition and fees, and overall aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study) cannot exceed the full cost of attendance.
-
Current SFU students are not eligible. This program begins for first-time freshman or transfer admitted traditional undergraduate student enrolling for the Fall 2026 semester.
-
Yes, 99% of applied students receive some sort of institutional aid.
Saint Francis University offers a comprehensive financial aid program featuring scholarships and grants that include merit-based awards, legacy recognition, and need-based support. Nearly all undergraduates benefit from this assistance, reflecting SFU’s commitment to reducing financial barriers and fostering academic opportunity.
Students must file FAFSA to determine eligibility.
-
Students receiving Tuition Remission or Tuition Exchange or other full-tuition aid (which covers costs after all other scholarships and grants) are not eligible for the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage.
-
Our Financial Aid Office and School Certifying Official (Registrar) will help maximize VA benefits alongside the Saint Francis University Zero-Tuition Advantage.
It means your tuition bill will show $0 owed after your federal, state, and SFU aid (comprised of grants, scholarships, and loans) are applied.
Not covered: room, board, and select course fees are still billed, but you may use other scholarships, work-study, or private scholarships for those costs.
See examples of financial aid packages under the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage.
To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
- Family Total Income of $65,000 or less via FAFSA
- Eligible for Federal Pell Grant and PA State Grant
- Pennsylvania residency as confirmed by PHEAA via the FAFSA
- First-time freshman or transfer admitted traditional undergraduate student as of March 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester.
- 2026-2027 FAFSA received by SFU as of March 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 semester will receive fullest consideration and after will be based on remaining available university funds.
- Commuter and Resident students are eligible.
Important Dates
- 2026-2027 FAFSA received by SFU as of March 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 semester will receive the fullest consideration.
- FAFSA submissions filed after March 1 will be considered based on remaining available university funds.
- Any additional PHEAA-requested information must be completed by May 1 on PHEAA’s Grant US platform.
- Any student selected for verification through the FAFSA, must be complete the process by May 1.
- Transfer students with a prior Pennsylvania State Grant must meet PHEAA’s academic progress requirements and have at least two remaining years of grant eligibility.
Yes, the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage is for resident or commuter students that meet the eligibility criteria. You may be a commuter student if you reside with your parents within 50 miles of the campus.
Yes. If you continue to meet program eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress your SFU Zero-Tuition coverage renews for up to 8 consecutive fall & spring undergraduate semesters.
No. If you apply to SFU and complete your FAFSA on time, you’re automatically considered.
Yes. If you continue to meet program eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress your SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage coverage renews for up to 8 undergraduate semesters (this does not include winter or summer).
Yes. Certain additional scholarships, private grants, or outside awards may be applied toward room, board, and fees. Such awards but not limited to include band, Esports, cheer, and dance. Total SFU funding cannot exceed tuition and fees, and overall aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study) cannot exceed the full cost of attendance.
Current SFU students are not eligible. This program begins for first-time freshman or transfer admitted traditional undergraduate student enrolling for the Fall 2026 semester.
Yes, 99% of applied students receive some sort of institutional aid.
Saint Francis University offers a comprehensive financial aid program featuring scholarships and grants that include merit-based awards, legacy recognition, and need-based support. Nearly all undergraduates benefit from this assistance, reflecting SFU’s commitment to reducing financial barriers and fostering academic opportunity.
Students must file FAFSA to determine eligibility.
Students receiving Tuition Remission or Tuition Exchange or other full-tuition aid (which covers costs after all other scholarships and grants) are not eligible for the SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage.
Our Financial Aid Office and School Certifying Official (Registrar) will help maximize VA benefits alongside the Saint Francis University Zero-Tuition Advantage.
Example Aid Packages
| Item | Example 1 2025–26 | Example 2 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $44,600 | $44,600 |
| University Fee | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Merit Scholarship | ($18,000) | ($25,000) |
| SFU Stackable Scholarships | ($2,500) | ($5,000) |
| Federal Pell Grant | ($7,395) | ($3,698) |
| Federal SEOG Grant | ($1,000) | — |
| PA State Grant | ($5,750) | ($2,875) |
| Federal Direct Loans (Sub/Unsub) | ($5,500) | ($5,500) |
| SFU Zero-Tuition Advantage | ($5,555) | ($3,627) |
| Net Tuition & Fees Due | $0 | $0 |
Notes: Tuition and fees do not include other institutional fees, housing, or meals. Estimated housing and meal cost for 2025–26 is $13,800. These examples are illustrative; individual aid packages will vary.
Contact Us!
You have questions, we have answers.
Our Financial Aid Team is here to help!
